How I STOP MICE from getting in my RV - No Mice 3 Years Later!

Mice get into your RV through holes. Traps, poison, and repellents DO NOT SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. Mice and rodents climb in your RV camper underbelly, ceiling, heat ducts, climb up tires, jack stabilizers, landing gear, finding holes and gaps in the floor and frame, then crawl into the living space. Use these 5 techniques to totally mouse proof your RV. Each solution resolves a specific type of hole or gap, so you need all 5 for complete coverage. Mice in RV SOLVED since 2020, it's now 2023 and still going mouse free!
RV Mouse Proofing Products used in this video: podkasts.wixsite.com/whatsmyg...
Please share comments about what you know about RV mice problems so others can benefit from your experience and ideas. Thanks for watching.
Got questions? lets have a chat in my Discord where you can send pictures and get RV help. Links on my website: www.whatsmygear.com/community
CHAPTERS | TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
00:49 Materials needed to stop mice, prevent rodents from getting in the rv
01:55 How To eliminate RV mice
02:00 Solution 1 - Sealed Patch to plug and seal holes in the RV frame underbelly
03:34 Solution 2 - Removable Patch to plug and seal holes on movable parts like RV slide arms
05:51 Solution 3 - Rodent Resistant Expanding Foam from Tomcat to seal and fill gaps in the RV frame, floor, and electrical utility wires / pipes.
07:54 Solution 4 - Clamped Patch with hose clamps to seal vented openings like battery vents
09:35 Solution 5 - Silicone Caulk and Expanding Foam Indoors for things like wall gaps in slide outs and holes in floor for plumbing pipes
10:47 Expanding Foam Safety Concerns
11:45 Conclusion
PRODUCT LINKS:
Contour Gauge: amzn.to/3sWdgHR
Perforated Aluminum Sheet: amzn.to/3rqMDui
Tin Snips: amzn.to/3ruWlMc
Rare Earth Magnets: amzn.to/30p1Xvm
Silicone: amzn.to/3vbiqSr
Expanding Foam designed for Rodents: amzn.to/3v2PP1r
Hose Clamps: amzn.to/3rqm08B
Also watch my RV Mods video installing a Soft Start for your RV Air Conditioner, which reduces the initial power load when the AC starts: • SoftStartRV Installati...
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#rvtips #rvpestcontrol #mouseproofrv #rvmouseproofing #rvmods #rvhacks #rvtipsandtricks #rvmice #rvrodents #rvliving #rvlife #rv #whatsmygear

[@tiredtrucker4life]

If RV manufacturers built these things better in the first place, this wouldn't be the huge problem it is. Quality workmanship would largely eliminate all the holes and gaps.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Agreed. They could also mouse proof just like in did here I'm going on 2 years now with no mice

[@karenhill7128]

That's a big amen . Even the brand new campers aren't sealed great

[@dannypadilla4625]

I cannot stand mice. Large glue traps worked for me. I cannot find all entry points.

[@livewire2474]

100%agreed these things are slapped together by Helen Keller inspected by the 3 blind mice and priced for the rich!!!!

[@tyannthomas1162]

Unfortunately, rvs aren't manufactured to be full-time living, so they won't be built better, and if they did build them for full-time, we would be paying a lot more for our rvs.

[@medicus5565]

I've watched dozens of videos on this exact subject and none were nearly as thorough and inventive as yours! Your presentation and delivery was exceptional and the content was well above all others. Well done! It also helped to verify what my approach was going to be for rodent control.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Omg this kind of comment really means alot to me because you investigate multiple videos on the topic and then form a perspective. Thank you so much for taking the time to provide this feedback. Amd im glad it helped!

[@tomraschke7841]

Easily the best mice prevention vid I've seen. It takes some effort to defeat the little ba$tard$ and this will do it. You're exactly right about rechecking the areas for entry multiple times. A huge THANK YOU for the additional ideas such as contour gauge, metal sheet, magnets, etc. I was previously using foam and steel wool on old camper. New camper will be using these upgraded methods.

[@WhatsMyGear]

sure thing brother! glad it helped!

[@alleycat1387]

With just steel wool and the spray foam, did it still work to keep mice out of your first RV?

[@jerrytalley802]

So he confirmed what I thought, he spent at least 8 hours, probably more since he said he found more places even after thinking he was done, excellent video!

[@WhatsMyGear]

This took days from a calendar perspective. I didn't track the actual hours, but I would venture to say your estimate is correct, at least 8 hours or more.

[@ColorMyWorld]

I used the expanding foam and accidently stepped on it with bare feet. I didn't realize it until it cured. My toes were fused together and it goes though the skin. There is no known cure to get it off after it cures. It was horrible and I had to wait for it to wear off. Thank you for mentioning the safety issue with it.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Also, I just posted this install for a Soft Start unit for your RV Air Conditioner if you are interested check it out. It takes the huge jolt of power consumption away for when the AC starts. Very helpful to allow less power to do the same job. You can run the AC on a generator, or a 15amp line with the soft start. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eV68mGmwnbN2j7s

[@MaryWehmeier]

Alcohol dissolves it.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Thank you. I've never tried that. I'll keep this on mind and try it next time I need to remove some.

[@user-wy2el7pn8f]

Great video.....gave me new places to check. Thanks....very informative. One of the best I've watched.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Thank you so much. That means a lot to me 😀. Hope you keep those nice out!

[@Matthew21v42]

Great advice. I think this also improves the heating and cooling efficiency as well by eliminating air leaks.

[@WhatsMyGear]

I think you are right. Nice side bonus

[@dustinbuchheister4665]

What a thorough and helpful video! Exactly what I needed to save my boondocked camper from mice. Thanks so much.

[@WhatsMyGear]

You are welcome! Mine had been mouse free some I did this

[@kimdagnillo8246]

You’re so thorough, I love it ! I would wear one of those face shields when underneath spray foaming because anything it falls on is ruined , clothing, shoes … you definitely don’t want it landing on your skin . Thanks for the video, great ideas .

[@nasty661ss]

The best video thus far on this topic with examples thank you

[@WhatsMyGear]

Thank you so much! It's got a few years on it now, but it still works in my RV. Not a single mouse. I wish I didn't put that music at the beginning because it feels like an infomercial when it starts, lol. I was thinking of doing a 3 year later follow up review to show how it's held up. Do you think it's worth it or just let this video stand alone?

[@mikeobrien5867]

Great video! This is my project for the weekend. My trailer had a woven tarp like material over the bottom, a layer of batt insulation and then the floor. I had been under the trailer multiple times trying to plug holes. It wasn't until I removed the tarp and insulation that I discovered that the floor had multiple large opening through the plywood (the biggest one, 6" by 8", was under the shower tub). Basically if a mouse made it past the flimsy tarp it had easy access to any opening that it could find in the floor. They were also nesting in the insulation under the floor. Its a disgusting job that could easily have been prevented with a few extra dollars during construction.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Once you seal up the floor, what are you planning to put back in place of what you took out?

[@mikeobrien5867]

@@WhatsMyGear I'm using rock wool insulation with 1.75 galvanized expanded metal lath over top and sealing the whole thing up with 3/8" pressure treated plywood.

[@WhatsMyGear]

That's going to be alot of work but I bet it makes the rv more comfortable with that insulation. You may want to consider putting a waterproof sealer on the side of the wood that faces the ground. That way, rain would beed off it while diving in wet conditions. Good luck my friend :)

[@aerotown42]

Best video I'v seen on this so fare.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Thank you so much. That means more to me than you know!

[@industrialathlete6096]

Great Video! Clear, concise, informative.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Thank you!!!

[@Scott_69HemiDart]

Great video! Lots of useful info, Thanks.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Glad you got value out of it!

[@mariduskinder3683]

Very practical, common sense solutions! Nice work.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Thank you so much! I'm on my 3rd year with these solutions and still no mice!

[@WhatsMyGear]

Did you learn anything from this video, did it help you in any way? Let me know in the comments. Feel free to chat about the process, and if you have any questions while you are working on your RV feel free to ask and I'll do my best to help. Also, other viewers have a lot of experience to share, you may get great input from them as well. As a community we support each other through sharing experiences and knowledge.

[@dianefreeman579]

Hello, serious mouse issue and it's making me crazy. I have an RPOD which is fibreglass and a sealed unit. We never had an issue until I let the kids use it.. they left the door open most of the winter. Sigh. So the mice made themselves at home and chewed like crazy. Now I have things to reclose. Where did you buy the aluminum? I have traps... So once sealed hopefully they end up in the traps.

[@livewire2474]

I learned that once you over pay for an RV you get to take it home and basically rebuild it yourself because they are mass produced and quality control is non existent.. great video by the way very informative 😉😉

[@WhatsMyGear]

This is the aluminum I used. amzn.to/3M8s0A3

[@WhatsMyGear]

Lol, thanks for the comment. Yes RVs are not built as good as they look. I've found that it becomes a hobby to work on them just to bring them up to a reasonable standard. I remember that wires pulled out of metal crimps near my battery due to bumps in the road. I had to re-crimp all the manufacturer electrical joints.

[@peggycarson8960]

This is a great help. Thank you!

[@WhatsMyGear]

Glad it helped!

[@greg5830]

Great video, thank you for all the good ideas. You’ve given me a really good starting point.

[@WhatsMyGear]

That was the goal! I'm glad I could help! Let me know what you ended up doing 😀

[@thomasdunn8214]

Excellent video with great advice. Keeping those little critters out is a real challenge.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Thank you so much! I'm starting a discord for people who want to learn share and prepare, if you are interested check out the link on whatsmygear.com

[@FullTimeDreamRV]

That is definitely a thorough job. I hope this pays off! Great video.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Thanks. 😀 I did this last year, and in the past with other RVs I would get mice every year, I'd find them when opening up for the summer. And this defiantly worked because this is the first year ever where I didn't find evidence of mice. I am trying to get the word out on these aluminum patches so that no one else needs to deal with mice in their RV again (its a lofty dream :) Love your videos btw!

[@tombarrettart]

Never thought of using that metal sheeting. Great ideas all around. Thanks!

[@WhatsMyGear]

Glad this was helpfull!

[@davidsqvbcn]

Hi Ted, really useful tips, thank you for sharing your knowledge 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻. Subscribed! 🎉🎉

[@WhatsMyGear]

You are welcome! Glad you got value out of the video. And thank you for subscribing!

[@maryarmstrong687]

This is the first video I have seen actually showing where rodents get in, thank you for this. It is helpful. I gave you a like and subscribe you deserve it.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Thank you so much!!! It's comments and engament like yours that motivates me to make videos like this.

[@caroltorres134]

This is the solution I been working on, and finally you helped me figure out the rest of it...thank you so much.

[@WhatsMyGear]

So glad you my video could help. My approach is about eliminating entry points, not reactionary measures after they get in. It's better to prevent entry. Have a great night!

[@tonygareth221]

Thank you. Very helpful. Awesome video

[@WhatsMyGear]

So glad you got value from it. Feel free to ask questions here as you mouse proof your RV

[@sightslessseen7977]

You really went all out! I've used the foam, but I have some gaps that are still too big. We haven't been anyplace that has had mice since I used that foam, but we will and I need to fill every gap. You're right, they can get through the smallest of gaps.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Do you think you will try the aluminum patches on those bigger gaps?

[@sightslessseen7977]

@@WhatsMyGear All my remaining gaps are small...i think. But you've shown me some spots I need to double check. I'm partial to the foam though. I have the foam for smaller gaps and also some for 3" and larger. I'll use the aluminum if I have openings that need venting.

[@WhatsMyGear]

@@sightslessseen7977 makes sense. Good luck with it and happy travels!

[@zenpuppy11]

great thank you. very cleaver ideas and execution

[@WhatsMyGear]

Thank you so much!

[@michaeljakobsen3781]

I've used steel wool with expanding foam. A small amount of steel wool in the area being filled and then spray foam in and around the wool encapsulating the wool. Critters won't chew through it.

[@WhatsMyGear]

This is rodent repellent foam. I've never had a mouse chew through it. But also, the aluminum sheets cover the biggest openings.

[@jimbrowning1257]

Appreciate the information. Thanks

[@WhatsMyGear]

Glad it helped!

[@patriciadavis7444]

THANKS VERY MUCH FOR THE GREAT INFORMATION MANY BLESSINGS

[@WhatsMyGear]

You are welcome 😊

[@olhesty2196]

Thank you for the info

[@WhatsMyGear]

Absolutely! I hope it helps!

[@jockwar]

Great info 👍

[@WhatsMyGear]

Glad you got value from it 😀

[@xxlxpman]

Great video for sure!!!

[@WhatsMyGear]

Thank you

[@rvgalpals7245]

Good video. I’m at the beginning stages of renos on my 1988 motorhome, but the spray foam will definitely be part of the finishing up.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Make sure to get the mouse resistant foam so they will be less likely to chew it

[@SheriKeys]

Excellent video! I have some work to do but I know it will be worth it. Rat problem here in the country and I'm a full timer. These rats are determined but so am I. Thank you!

[@WhatsMyGear]

Good luck with it, I'm confident you can beat those rats! Feel free to post questions here if you come across issues, and maybe the community can help give you ideas, I will try to hello to. You got this!

[@ronpride5110]

Great info, Thnx! Mice will try to chew thru or scratch out the expanding foam, so you may need to fill a cavity with some steel wool AND then add the expanding foam as well.

[@WhatsMyGear]

This is anti-rodent expanding foam, they may help resist them. I just inspected the whole thing, and after 2 years so far, they hadn't chewed it. Maybe they make it taste bad, I'm not sure what makes it rodent proof but so far it's working.

[@ricktaylor6373]

Excellent!!!!!

[@WhatsMyGear]

Thank you!

[@d8rad617]

Great video

[@WhatsMyGear]

Thank you. I'm glad you got value!

[@deanh7190]

Great advice ty. @9:30, those wires should be grommeted to prevent chafing.

[@WhatsMyGear]

🙂

[@paulfromneohio1596]

That sure looks like a lot of work. I've done the same thing and so far I've been mouse free for 2 years. I hope I didn't just jinx myself!

[@WhatsMyGear]

Paul!!!

[@WhatsMyGear]

Also, I just posted this install for a Soft Start unit for your RV Air Conditioner if you are interested check it out. It takes the huge jolt of power consumption away for when the AC starts. Very helpful to allow less power to do the same job. You can run the AC on a generator, or a 15amp line with the soft start. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eV68mGmwnbN2j7s

[@VanquishersTCG]

Bless Up Ted!

[@WhatsMyGear]

much love brother!

[@Bhat-lf9oc]

One quick solution around the slide out areas is to apply a heavy coat of grease to areas that mice cannot get a grip to climb in .

[@WhatsMyGear]

Interesting idea. I wouldn't want to have to check it and reapply periodically. I prefer more of a set it and forget it type of solution. But what ever works!

[@Bhat-lf9oc]

@@WhatsMyGear Thanks for the video . I think mine are coming in through the hollow rails on the slide. Appreciate it.

[@WhatsMyGear]

@@Bhat-lf9oc if there is a way, those darn things will find it!

[@hollyjones8775]

Freaking genius my man

[@WhatsMyGear]

Thank you!

[@WhatsMyGear]

Join my free Discord where you can chat with me. Links on my website: www.whatsmygear.com/community Also, watch my install for a Soft Start unit for your RV Air Conditioner if you are interested check it out. It takes the huge jolt of power consumption away for when the AC starts. Very helpful to allow less power to do the same job. You can run the AC on a generator, or a 15amp line with the soft start. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eV68mGmwnbN2j7s

[@priscillawrites6685]

I owned a home built in 1840. Mice had been getting into the house for generations. A wildlife consultant said mice can squeeze through openings 1/4 inch wide. I bought 1/8 inch hardware cloth to secure foundation openings, and stuffed 000 steel wool around water pipe openings. Mice won’t eat through steel wool.

[@WhatsMyGear]

True, they don't eat through steel wool. On an RV, I used aluminum mesh so that it won't fall out of place or rust from road water, etc.

[@louispalacios2379]

Great job n details my friend will certainly do my GD

[@WhatsMyGear]

Thank you@ glad you found value in my video 😀

[@WhatsMyGear]

What's "'GD"?

[@bdmitx]

We had an issue when we were away from our rv ! What I did was string lights (white light) and plugged it in at night ! Mouse problem solved ! I have a Class A ! Not going to happen motor home ! Great for a trailer ! Had a lot of haters on the lights but no mice so who cares about haters ! Great job on your RV

[@WhatsMyGear]

Thank you for sharing. I didn't realize that lights affected mice. Interesting

[@patrickbyrnes1231]

We camped near saguaro national Park last year and noticed almost everyone had their hood unlatched and up a few inches. There were a number of people who had lights strung underneath their trailers. You do want to be considerate with those and don’t want to blast out and annoy your fellow campers. You could overdo it, and the mice would be the least of your worries.

[@steveharder7172]

Just pulled our brand new 5th wheel Jayco home , backed in the shop, got on a creeper and started looking, absolute disgrace for all the voids that mice can get in, I think I would have reconsidered if I would have seen that before I bought it. Very informative video, with a lot of good ideas, thx

[@WhatsMyGear]

If it's any solace, after I plugged all the entrance points on my RV I hadn't ever had mice. It's been 3 years since I bought this rv and did the things in this video so it at least worked for me. Good luck. Let me know if you have any questions, I'll try to help :)

[@steveharder7172]

@@WhatsMyGear thx , I just might do that

[@30pvfd]

You can trim the expanding foam with a heated up butter knife cuts a great smooth edge

[@WhatsMyGear]

I've always wondered if leaving the smooth finish makes it last longer. Old foam looks oxidized and brittle to me. I just wonder if painting it instead of cutting it would be better in the long run. Both options hide it better than leaving it as is, but the paint adds a protective layer. Not sure, these are just thoughts.

[@myleshansel7950]

Great video, I missed the hole on the side rail. A tip I have that helps is I have placed LED string lights around my RV carport, I have them set on a timer to come on at dark and off in the morning this helps keep them away from the area

[@WhatsMyGear]

I'm glad this helped. Do mice not like the light? I hadn't looked into that.

[@createa.googleaccount713]

Huge Thank You!!!

[@WhatsMyGear]

You are welcome!

[@MJ-my9sg]

We all place mothballs under our RVs. So far so good.

[@WhatsMyGear]

I tried that, did not work for me. Only thing that worked for me was seal up all entry points. Hope all is well 😀

[@happycamper5193]

I am battling them now with glue traps inside. It just turned cold, and they want in. I have been in this RV spot for 1 year now. It's time to try and do some hole searching. Great video.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Closing up the holes is preventing them from coming in. I'm sure you have found out that the glue and traps is just prolonging the problem because it doesn't eliminate the issue. If holes are open, move will keep coming in.

[@mommymarine1756]

We’ve left ours for 6years and had no idea mice would be an issue. Started working on changing the tires and noticed a huge hole in the under belly.

[@davidgirolametto393]

Very much appreciate this great video and the resulting discussion from the community. Mouse traps are currently effectively elimating mice (2) before they do any damage, but as per your comments, I'd like to totally eliminate their entry. I'll be using "Xcluder Rodent and Pest Barrier Kit", a stainless steel wool, or some other source of stainless steel wool to avoid rusty steel wool, or green oxide from copper wool. I'll use it with the expanding foam that you mentioned, the one intended for rodents. Will use this combo in most location's. The potential for rodent ingress around my rear slideout rails is huge, when the slide out is extended. Thank you so very much for that eye opener!!! Great suggestions on how to address that issue with thin perforated aluminum plate. To be honest, and a bit lazy, I'll first try to use stainless steel wool in that area. With a bit of ingenuity, I can glue ( caulk) it into place and it will flex as the slide out rails move past it. Expect it will work well, but how long it will last is anyone's guess. I've always got your proven method to fall back on if my quick method does not work. My real problem is that after generally mouse proofing the Thor Compass Motorhome (Ford Transit), we've had two mice enter via the fire wall. One mouse visited the glove box, thus cluing us into the fire wall as the likely point of entry. Will look for the hole at night using a bright light on one side of the fire wall, while looking at the other side. To seal the fire wall, I'll use multiple methods outlined by you and enhanced by the comments of others. To protect the engine wiring I'll use mouse and/or rat traps placed on top of the engine. Yes, as you pointed out, it takes multiple methods, and as the community pointed out, we can all learn alot from each other's experiences. Actually looking forwarded to this job after the snow melts 😅. Stainless steel wool: Xcluder Rodent Control Fill Fabric; Large DIY Kit; Steel Wool Blend; Protect Commercial & Residential Properties from Rats and Mice (162758A) a.co/d/4Vvnmrr

[@WhatsMyGear]

Good luck, let me know how it goes! Feel free to share anything you learn as you do it, the community will benefit from it :) thanks again for commenting!

[@mrzif0013]

My 2021 new Generator was eaten by a red squirrel. Now I am closing up the whole generator box W/ steel wool and hardware cloth and foam close up the generator to rodent proof it. I will just take it off the hardware when I need to run the generator. It is worth it. We do not use the generator and i'll selling it asap. Going to portable inverter/gen. Also, I find live traps are much better than a kill trap. I set the kill traps and the bait is gane next day and no kills. I went to a live trap and ching! still working a year latter.

[@WhatsMyGear]

The other problem with bait traps is they will take the bait and die elsewhere in the camper if the bait uses poison. Sometimes you never find it.

[@richiacovelli5134]

Really enjoyed your vid. I'll be parking a Ford Transit van in the Maine woods and this gives me a head start. My van has a zillion holes underneath but I can deal with that. I'm more concerned about how I'm gonna deal with the engine bay. So far I hear peppermint oil and keeping the hood open at night. I saw one of your commentors mentioned muffler tape for the wires? Also, I'll be parked on gravel and I read something that said rodents aren't crazy about gravel. Know anything about that? I appreciate what you've done here. Not just anybody would put in the time and effort you have. May you always be mouse-free :))

[@WhatsMyGear]

I'm about 3 years in the RV after the mods in my video, and still no mice! I'm convinced that it's not about trapping them or deterring them with smells and sounds, it's about preventing them from getting in. As far as gravel, I had my previous rv on gravel and still had a mouse problem. I'm not sure the benefit of muffler tape on the wires. Maybe so mice don't chew them? I hadn't had that problem before. If you seal up all mouse entry points, they won't get in. It's a lot of work, but you only have to do it once. 😀 happy camping! Feel free to come back and share details about your adventures!

[@tuckermerch]

WOW!, you really opened my eyes. I didn't realize how many places mice could get in. I've been plagued by them for years. I use glue traps and they do a great job of trapping them but I want to stop the mice before they get inside. As soon as it warms and dries out a bit I will be doing just what you have done. I like your thinking with using expanded metal or other metal screen material to block entrances! Thank you Sir for the great information your video has shown me. I do have a question for you, since your mouse proofed your 5th wheel, have you had any mouse intrusions?

[@WhatsMyGear]

I'm so happy to say this RV had never had mice in it. We bought it new, then did the mouse proofing immediately. And it's worked for years now.

[@RobertClontz]

The perforated aluminum is a great idea

[@WhatsMyGear]

Thank you!

[@benjaminashery7728]

I have watched many videos of keeping rodents out of your camper, but NOT ONE talks about how mice have to "jump" almost 2ft in the first place to get in the camper. So, why not catch the mice to prevent them from climbing? Glue traps can be placed around tires and jack stabalizers. A mouse cannot jump 2ft onto the underbelly, they have to climb up something, be it the tire, the stabilizer, or electric wire and sewage lines. If you were to stick glue traps all around the areas, the mice wouldn't be able to get in the first place. So you would have to use a strong double sided tape to stick to the bottom of the rectangular glue trap. Stick that around each tire, each stabilizer and around the water and electric hook ups. Just to be sure, stick glue traps all over the underbelly.

[@WhatsMyGear]

If you 100% seal the camper like I've demonstrated in this video, the mice will not have any entry points. Regardless of their ability to jump. I've never had a mouse in this camper using the approach in this video.

[@tschneider4326]

Where did you get the screen? Great video. I fill with steelwool, caulk, then spray foam

[@WhatsMyGear]

Links for it should be in the video description. If not let me know.

[@alleycat1387]

Very thorough and detailed video! I did expanding foam with steel wool and I sealed up holes and gaps from the bottom, but my problem is mice were getting in before we sealed it up and we were only able to find and capture one mouse (female). Didn't, see, hear or catch any other after that, but after I sealed more from coming in we have at least another mouse still running around that was already in the RV. He/she learned to avoid peanut butter traps from the first mouse, any tips to get rid of mice that are already in that avoid traps?

[@WhatsMyGear]

Super sticky one sides mouse tape. No bait needed. Just place near areas it works walk along a wall or inside the cabinet floor., etc.

[@sightslessseen7977]

The foam is quite sticky. I intend to use latex gloves (I have a lot for my sewer hookups) to keep it off my hands next time I used it.

[@WhatsMyGear]

you got that right! It does need to be used carefully, i got it in my hair 😮 but I'm just glad i didn't get it in my eyes. That's why I added the safety piece to the video, people need to be careful when the foam it above you, gravity is not your friend in that situation.

[@louisegogel7973]

Very helpful! I love the aluminum mesh idea! Ventilation, no rust, no entryways for anything but tiny insects. I’m about to seal a house from garter snake entry as well as mice etc. I’ve got steel wool and the foam.

[@WhatsMyGear]

You got it! That's why I use the aluminum mesh instead of other things. It's been almost 4 years since I did this to my rv and never had a mouse.

[@gdt5430]

The down side to sealing up your Towable RV too well is you end up encapsulating your frame and plumbing. If you should have a pipe/hose breach you may not know about it until there is significant damage. If you're going to do this it might be good idea to put weep holes in several low spots of the Access Panels or Coroplast. In the case of my 5er it's not possible to seal it up from Mice, all the hydraulics make it a significant challenge. The little suckers can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime. I just put professional grade bait stations around my RV when parked. BTW, the Peppermint trick does not work at all, don't fall for that. I did an experiment with a fresh Peppermint Repellent Bag next to a Trap, guess what was in the trap within 8hrs.

[@WhatsMyGear]

You're thinking about the right stuff. In my case, the underbelly of my RV isn't water tight because the plastic panels are just "clicked" together. If I had a leak, the water would just fall between the panels, and it would be easily seen. Everyone's RV will be different, so you are thinking about the right stuff. Each person needs to assess their individual RV situation. Good luck out there!

[@yobabybubba]

Great video..and beard. We live in New York and we're heading out West in 3 weeks for a 78 day trip.. I had cab fresh in several places and I still and I still got nice. Just a few days ago we found evidence of mice and I killed one yesterday with a trap. I'm about to do foam and steel wool. And then load it up with peppermint spray and more Cab fresh. There's no way I could do all those things that you did. Great accomplishment. I just hope they don't come back.

[@WhatsMyGear]

I've tried the cab fresh for years, I put 30 bags of it in my last camper, and every summer when id open it after winter storage I find nice. Unfortunately nothing stops them except directly preventing entry. Physically preventing entry. Good luck my friend. We just did a 3 week trip to South Dakota from Ohio.

[@yobabybubba]

@@WhatsMyGearThank you. By the way, I've changed my strategy since I've made my last comment. After some research, I realized using foam Wherever I find openings underneath the rig, isn't going to do a thing because they could fit through something the size of a pencil. I realize cab fresh isn't going to The job by itself and it needs to be replaced every month and a 1/2 or so but I'm also going to be spraying certain areas with a nice strong mixture I made with water and Peppermint oil. So far so good.

[@WhatsMyGear]

@@yobabybubba let me know how it works.

[@yobabybubba]

@@WhatsMyGear Well it's been over a month and so far no sign of mice whatsoever and we're traveling across country now.

[@cb2132]

Hey! New sub here. If you don't mind me asking is that an OpenRange? I ask because I am not sure if a couple droppings x4 were of a rodent or from a box from storage. I see the sides of your RV and think it looks like an OR and if thats the case I guess I have a lot of plugging to do and to stop deluding myself into thinking its from storage lol

[@WhatsMyGear]

We have a Forest River. But I think u might be right on the storage vs RV. More often than not it's the RV unfortunately. Did you try and if these mouse proofing techniques?

[@tracyclark1151]

What keeps the mice from chewing thru the foam? Great video, great ideas, thank u

[@WhatsMyGear]

This particular foam ia a mouse resistant foam. im not using regular foam. I dont know what makes it mouse resistant. Possibly it is engineered to tase horrible to them, maybe its a harder set. No idea, but it has worked for 2 years now.

[@roberttaylor8261]

I think the foam has a cayenne pepper so mice won’t like it?

[@qhazwel]

Rodent love to chew wires. I went to my muffler guy and he showed me that my wires had been chused for my sensors. I had him put on some of his metallic Muffler tape. That's just my suggestion for some added protection on wires or possibly as an alternative to the foam

[@WhatsMyGear]

The foam is not meant to protect the wires, it's meant to full holes and gaps. This is rodent resistant foam so they don't like the taste. The metallic tape is a good idea though for extra wire protection.

[@alanbailey5621]

I found those ultrasonic plug in devices are great at repelling mice and squirrels.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Those things have been hot or miss for me. I've plugged them in my garage and found most poop all around it. It's like the device attracted mice. It's so weird. So I don't know about those things.

[@patrickbyrnes1231]

From my experience, I believe the ultrasonic devices can work. One thing I found about them was there efficiency deteriorates over time, so in our industrial setting, I would date each one and replace every three or four years. I think that’s important. They may not be 100%, But I think they are one more thing that helps.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@retroelectro1190]

Not sure if it was mentioned, but they make a mouse deterrent expanding foam specifically for pests.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Yep, that's what this is in the video. Good looking out though 😀

[@dragally1]

Good video although I would like to mention that magnets do not attach to aluminum so you must have been using a steel grating of some type or I missed something. Good vid!

[@WhatsMyGear]

It's aluminum grating, the beam in the trailer is Steel and iron, so the magnet sticks to the beam behind the aluminum grating. I also caulk the grating to hold it two ways

[@victorianaztec555]

Dude...my plan once I get my used RV but what about under the hood of vehicle... basically samething a removable metal sheild w/ magnets. Cuz that's my plan. Also where could I find heavy duty one like you feature in video. I was recommended thick metal screening.

[@WhatsMyGear]

There should be product links in the video description.

[@djboogieboy]

👍

[@WhatsMyGear]

Appreciate it!

[@Thekoryostribalpodcast]

I have an 84 Motorhome in tip top shape. But these mice are driving me insane!!! Time to mouse proof it

[@WhatsMyGear]

We are at war with the mice!

[@Thekoryostribalpodcast]

@@WhatsMyGear yes we are🤣🤣🤣

[@williamriedel1686]

I used an industrial grade smoke bomb to find the spaces where rodents were getting in. I took precautions to make sure nothing got burned.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Very creative idea!

[@tomclose6643]

spray Mouse free gell on those areas seems to help

[@WhatsMyGear]

I'll have to research what that is. Sounds interesting. Is it something to spray on the outside?

[@janetbrunetti7391]

i keep finding mouse nests inside the oven. I'm not sure what to rodent proof to fix that Thanks for the information.

[@WhatsMyGear]

The solution: Do everything in this video. You need to seal 100% of all possible entry points into any part of the rv. The problem: Once mice they enter the rv, they climb in the back of the stove.

[@dand928]

Do you have any concerns when spraying the foam around wires? Any concerns if you ever had to service those wires? I’m not to well-versed with the foam and didn’t know if it’s a permanent deal. I’m considering doing exactly what you did didn’t know if I should throw some electrical tape around the wires

[@WhatsMyGear]

I'm not worried about wires. If you had to replace a wire you can pull the wire through it, even cured, then the hole from the wire works remain in the cured foam. You world run a new wire through that hole or you could dig out a new hole through the cured foam.

[@debbieadams816]

Thanks for a realistic video to keep mice from entering a travel trailer. My question is regarding the space around the holding tanks. The tanks are held in place with steel beam-like pieces. There is a space between the tanks and the bottom of the trailer. Do you have a thought about sealing those long expanses? Do you think a mouse can gain access by gnawing between the tanks and the floor/bottom of the trailer? Thanks for your input

[@WhatsMyGear]

It's questions like these that make me want to start a Discord so that we can send pictures and get deeper into helping others in the community. I'm trying to picture what you are saying. The first question that comes to mind is... is the underside of your RV covered from end to end with something that closes off the underbelly? Sort of like in my video, when you look under my RV mostly you just see flat plastic panels that span the entire underside. Because of those panels, I can't even see my tanks. So then all I'm trying to seal is access beyond those underbelly panels.

[@debbieadams816]

@@WhatsMyGear thanks for your response. Yes, agreed that a "discourse" with photos, likely helpful.

[@TheVremodel]

@@WhatsMyGear please do… I came across your video after I was awakened this morning at 4 am by hearing some scratching noises, as I get out of the bunk bed I see something run across from our fireplace to the the door. 2 hours later I’m still sitting here waiting

[@WhatsMyGear]

@@TheVremodel I'll do it today 😀

[@WhatsMyGear]

I just launched the discord. You can join by going to by website whatsmygear.com and click the button at the top that says Join My Discord. Hope to see you there 😀

[@musclecars4635]

what about electronic devices such as the "Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Electronic Plug-in Indoor Pest Repellent". this is the only one i've tried as i dont endorse it (yet). but I did have a mouse chew on a coil wire which cost $400 to replace which wasn't covered by Ford warranty (Class-A F53 Ford chassis). interesting story: the Ford mechanic told me that Ford uses peanut oil on the coil/spark plug connectors to help them fit better (what?!).

[@WhatsMyGear]

I've tried many brands of ultra sonic device, none of them worked forn me. In fact I found most droppings right next to the device.

[@216baja]

You can use copper mesh to keep the mice out instead of steel wool because the copper mesh does not rust.

[@WhatsMyGear]

This video doesn't demonstrate steel wool, it features aluminum mesh.

[@216baja]

@@WhatsMyGear my apologies, I thought that I heard steel wool. I know alot of people that do use it but it bleeds. Thank you for the great tips. 👍

[@WhatsMyGear]

@@216baja no worries friend

[@chrisrees7054]

Steel wool pads work!!!

[@WhatsMyGear]

They work, but they rust, fall out, and not sure they solve each type of gap the best. I wanted a more permanent solution.

[@FaceTheStorm]

Is there a reason you used the aluminum vs just spraying those areas with the foam as well?

[@WhatsMyGear]

I feel the aluminum is more mouse proof because they can't chew threw it at all. The foam is mouse resistant but technically in my book easier to chew threw than aluminum. I've never had a problem with either. But i like to use the most mouse proof material where it's possible to do so.

[@beautifuldreamer3991]

Thank you very much...esp concerning the foam....goggles and gloves...maybe a face cover of some sort and put your hair up and away...a beanie perhaps to make yourself look as "bald" as possible so one doest ruin their hair....

[@WhatsMyGear]

Great advice!!!

[@a6player]

Did you seal off the area where electric cord is coming out of the RV?

[@WhatsMyGear]

on my RV I don't need to, because there is no hole going inside the RV. it's an external receptacle that I plug into. If you have one of those systems where the cord live inside that hole and it doesn't ever disconnect from the RV, you just push and pull it in and out when needed, then you could stuff something in there that can be removed when needed.

[@tomclose6643]

Hardware cloth is good thing to use instead

[@WhatsMyGear]

What's hardware cloth? What's it made of?

[@carolynnkaster9457]

I bought spray foam, but haven't used it yet. You mention Rodent proof foam. Is that a specific type of foam?

[@WhatsMyGear]

This is what I used amzn.to/3CFTEA2

[@Yodamaster2000]

wouldn't copper wool with spray foam sealant be much easier?

[@WhatsMyGear]

There are 5 different solutions in the video that address 5 different scenarios. Maybe copper wool would be good for some of the scenarios, but I really like the aluminum sheet for the large openings on the I-beam. I'm a little concerned with the corrosion on copper over time. It generates that aqua color build-up that forms a crust and can spread to the surrounding area. I'm just not sure about it for the long haul. It's been 3 years, and I hadn't needed to redo anything. It's been holding up well.

[@danieltaylor3396]

There were no suggestions for keeping rodents out of an engine bay. That is where peppermint oil can be effective.

[@WhatsMyGear]

😀

[@terrificbabe60]

Well I watched your video at least a dozen times literally I have my shopping list all but paid for with extra I have everything cleaned out and ready I'm going to crawl down in there and finding places that people miss that I'm really good at that being a house painter my whole life since 1978 I might add I know how to find places that's been missed even if it's me that miss them so I hope to come away with this I hope I know that I won't have anymore no I know I won't have any more rats or mice absolutely not they will be a thing of the past the nerve of them trying to tell me a dryer sheet would get rid of them these creatures are supernatural no doubt I have used and finally I found someone that makes sense dryer sheet ha!! I was voting high School least likely to need luck I won't need it this time I'm going to do it just as you said just so!!

[@terrificbabe60]

I WAS VOTED LEAST Likely TO NEED LUCK UNLESS IM ATTEMPTING OFFICE WORK TYPING THAT IS!! DUDE U HAVE A LIFETIME FAN, IN ME. TERRI LITTLEFIELD OF LITTLEFIELD PAINTING LICENSED IN 1992. UNION PAINTER SF IN 1978.

[@WhatsMyGear]

It's time to go to war with those rodents! Just be careful if you use the spray foam, it is very dangerous if it gets on your face or skin. The aluminum mesh should stop rats, I'd be surprised if they could chew thick metal like that.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Thank you so much! Glad you got value from my video 😀

[@kaypisarek6461]

I just set up my trailer to live I and I have already heard rodents underneath the flooring. How do I get all the mice out before I seal it all up?

[@WhatsMyGear]

Great question. Mice are crazy, they multiply and there are usually more after you trap a few and think you got them all. So if it were me, I would go on an all out war against the mice. I would bait traps insidethe rv on the floor near the walls because mice walk alongside walls, place sticky rodent tape in the underbelly of the rv along the sides near walls, place traps on the counters and stove, bait all the traps and tape. Then for the next week or two Inspect each trap, replacing as nessisarily. And keep doing it until you catch no more mice. I wouldn't use poison because they will eat it and die in places you can reach. Eventually you will get them all. Another option is to seal the rv first and just trap them on the inside. Sealing the underbelly should force them up. If you want to chat more join my Discord , it's easier for us to have a conversation.

[@louispalacios2379]

Grand Design GD

[@WhatsMyGear]

Ahh ok! That makes sense. Let me know how it turns out

[@jamesbondaygee]

I don't think this can I apply to a big diesel cuz there's just too many big gaps. The engine is right underneath my bed.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Maybe you can steal from inside the cabin and at least stop them from getting inside the living area?

[@HappyQuailsLC]

I don't think they go by the name "earth magnets". They are called "Neodymium Magnets" and you will find a lot more offers online if you search by its proper name. They also come in all different shapes.

[@WhatsMyGear]

Any strong magnet will do the job 😀

[@markbocanegra5140]

I really lack a lot of education when it comes to keeping mice out of my trailer. I'm a new RV owner and so luckily so far I have not had the experience of mice. Can mice jump high? I figure there are only 5 points of entry into my trailer that mice can climb on in order to get inside my trailer when my trailer is parked for the winter (no stabilizers deployed). The four tires and the front hitch jack. If I take care of those 5 points of entry then I'm golden. Unless they get up on two legs and climb up onto the axel? But then if I roll up on leveling blocks to make the clearance higher that should take care of that issue. What am I missing? Because of my lack of experience in this issue I fear I'm a one-dimensional thinker.

[@WhatsMyGear]

The first thing I am thinking is, do you use an RV cover? like a tarp or fabric type cover that hangs over the whole RV? if you do, they defiantly can grab their claws into that fabric or the tightening straps that hang down and climb up, once they do that, they can get into all sorts of places like the vents for the furnace, fridge, AC units at the roof, or gain access to the bottom lip of the I-beams below the camper and walk along that lip until they find an access point. Second thought, is the RV parked in a place where they can drop in from branches, trees, bushes from above or next to the RV? if the can, same sort of entry points are applicable to them. Is this a 5th wheel or travel trailer? With a 5th wheel you have the front legs that need to be down when not attached to a vehicle. Those legs have gaps cut through the floor that have enough room for mice to climb the legs and enter the gap in the floor. With a travel trailer, the same concept is true for the stabilizers or any sort of leg that holds the front of the trailer. Lastly, I have found that given enough time, they will find things that we can't predict. So the solutions I outlined in this video take an approach of seal everything so that you don't have to worry about predicting what ways they can enter, just know that it's all sealed so you reduce the likelihood or even eliminate the opportunities. With out an existing gap or hole, your likelihood goes way down. They can chew through some soft things, but that's why my approach shows us using metal screen where possible. My RV has a plastic hard surface covering the entire underbelly. That helps because the insulation is not exposed, and the number of gaps for me to fill are reduced. My old travel trailer had no hard underbelly sheathing, so the insulation was exposed, and the mice could crawl and grab onto that insulation membrane and move amount the underbelly anywhere they wanted. Plus they could shew through it. So a plastic hard shell set of panels to seal the underbelly is a huge mouse deterrent, but again, my RV came with that so I didn't have to install those black plastic panels you see in the video. Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.

[@crabglen]

@@WhatsMyGear Hey, This was a super helpful video and reply. Do you know where I can buy the plastic panels that fit beneath the RV you mention toward the end of your reply?

[@WhatsMyGear]

@@crabglen sorry those came with my rv. This is something I don't know about.

[@reneearmstrong8033]

Who can I call to attack the issue of desert rat proofing. I'm senior citizen and can not do this alone. Help.

[@WhatsMyGear]

I would ask an RV dealer if they can seal all the entry points. Or maybe a utility trailer deal that works on trailers. We have one near us that works on trailer axles, so maybe a company like that would be willing to seal entry points.

[@jonsmith398]

i have a few that got into the cieling of my trailer how should i get them ot thanks

[@WhatsMyGear]

Wow, ok. I've never heard of them getting in from the roof. Can you share a bit more about how they entered the roof? Is there a hole visible from the outside? Is there an uncovered vent or something like that?. They need to enter through an opening. So, the type of opening would lead us to find an appropriate way to block the opening l.

[@jonsmith398]

They got in from underneath the trailer somehow got in the walls got between the ceiling and the actual outer roof

[@jonsmith398]

You can hear them up there its not a good thing

[@WhatsMyGear]

Ok, that makes sense. My recommendation for stopping them from getting inside is to eliminate all mouse entry points. This means instead of using poison or traps or dryer sheets or steel wool, those are all things to do after mice have entered the underbelly. Instead, seal up all the ways a mouse could enter. Then you don't need the other things. That's what I show in this video. Watch each type of way I seal the entry points. That's the only way I know that works. I've been mouse free for years this way.

[@WhatsMyGear]

As for removing the ones that are in there already. I personally would place traps everywhere. Bait the traps. Don't use poison because they will die in the walls and rot in the walls. Let them get in the traps and remove them from the rv once they are trapped. They make lots of traps. Some kill the mice, some don't. That's up to you.

[@jmorgan8640]

Can't mice chew through spray foam?

[@WhatsMyGear]

This is the rodent resistant foam, not the regular foam. I have links in the video description if you want to check it out. But I would assume mice "can" chew through it, but they don't because they don't like the taste of the rodent resistant stuff. The biggest mouse proofing action you can take is with the aluminum mesh that I showed because that covers the big holes. Everything else is icing on the cake. Lastly, I can say 3 years later, I haven't had any mice in this RV.

[@jerrytalley802]

It would be too time consuming to do this during mass production. Those little suckers can get in through the smallest cracks. In life, it’s a constant fight against the critters. I bought a brand new Tundra, and it came with a mouse at NO EXTRA CHARGE, LOL!

[@WhatsMyGear]

Nice. Yeah, after I made these changes, I haven't seen a mouse in the rv ever, and it's been 3 years.

[@jerrytalley802]

Awesome. It cracks me up when people say the factory should do what you did, lol. They probably build a whole camper in 8 hours, the time it took to just mouse proof yours, lol thanks

[@WhatsMyGear]

It's a lot of detailed work to mouse proof it. They would have to charge thousands extra to put that work in. Plus, they don't want to be on the hook for guaranteeing mouse proof, and then a mouse gets in. They wound be open to all sorts of extra liabilities beyond what they already deal with today.

[@benjamintucker9829]

Putting aluminum mesh on a steel frame may be problematic. Those two metals cause a dielectric field which can accelerate rust and corrosion.

[@WhatsMyGear]

That shouldn't be a problem when both metals are coated. The aluminum comes coated and the frame is painted heavily. So there is no effective bate metal touching.

[@benjamintucker9829]

@@WhatsMyGear my camper is over ten years and half powder coat on the frame is gone

[@WhatsMyGear]

@@benjamintucker9829 if you separate the metals you should be fine. So you could paint the area that needs separation from the aluminum or you could apply a thin membrane between the steel and aluminum.

[@WhatsMyGear]

@@benjamintucker9829 paint or seal the surface where the two metals touch